Local performers will pay special tribute to rock and roll icon Ritchie Valens

CLEVELAND (August 18, 2009) - The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is pleased to welcome back the Latino Heritage Festival, an annual event that celebrates the rich Hispanic culture and its musical traditions. This colorful event will take place on the Main Stage of the Rock Hall on Sunday, August 30 from Noon to 4 p.m. and features performances by the best of Latin bands and vocal groups. The festival is a kick-off to Latino Heritage month, celebrated September 15 - October 15 every year.The Latino Heritage Festival is FREE, however paid admission is necessary to tour the Rock Hall exhibits. The Rock Hall is proud to partner with Newschannel 5 for this event.

The Rock Hall will also pay tribute at the Latino Heritage Festival to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Ritchie Valens, who died 50 years ago with Buddy Holly and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson on their Winter Dance Party tour. In the short 17 years of his life, Ritchie Valens became a rock and roll icon with his renowned songs “La Bamba” and “Donna.” As one of the first Latino rockers, Valens has notably influenced such artists as Los Lobos, the Beach Boys and Los Lonely Boys.

In tribute to Latino music and culture, the festival will feature an array of musical talent, including Melissa “Cha~Cha” Figueroa and Justo Saborit, both of whom will provide the flavorful soundtrack to an afternoon of entertainment. Artists will perform not only their original music but also songs by Valens.

• Havana, Cuba native Justo Saborit released his third album this year titled Agua y Fuego. The CD represents a fusion of energetic guitar with blends of Latin rhythms. In addition to his recording career, Saborit also hosts a radio show called Latin Jazz/Latin Soul on Cleveland’s 107.3 The Wave, introducing audiences to the international crossover power of Latin music.

• Melissa “Cha~Cha” Figueroa was born in Cleveland but she exudes Latin flavor in her pop and R&B hooks. Her debut album, Euphoria, was released on May 22, 2009. She not only wrote all 12 tracks, but she also receives co-production credit on the album as well. Figueroa is a community activist also, vowing and working to keep adolescents off of drugs and off of the streets in her hometown.

Also performing at this year’s Latino Heritage Festival will be Merenpower Band and Jonathan El Romantico.

About the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. is the nonprofit organization that exists to educate visitors, fans and scholars from around the world about the history and continuing significance of rock and roll music. It carries out this mission both through its operation of a world-class museum that collects, preserves, exhibits and interprets this art form and through its library and archives as well as its educational programs.

The Museum is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On Wednesdays (and Saturdays through Labor Day), the Museum is open until 9 p.m. Museum admission is $22 for adults, $17 for seniors (65+), $13 for youth (9-12), $18 for adult residents of Greater Cleveland. Children under 8 and Museum members are free. When you become a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, the world of rock and roll becomes yours to explore. Call 216.515.8425 for information on becoming a member. For general inquiries, please call 216.781.ROCK or visit http://www.rockhall.com . The Museum is generously funded by Cuyahoga County residents through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.